National Living Treasure of Japan, Choichi Terukina Sensei, Master of Afuso
school of classical Okinawa has created and executed countless opportunities for
his students to excel in the study of the traditional performing arts of
Okinawa. One of these endeavors is Sensei’s program entitled, Tobe Uta-sanshin”.
‘Tobe’ comes from the word ‘tobu’ which means to ‘fly’ or ‘leap forward’ and
enspirited in this word is the essence of Sensei’s desire for the youth to
energetically excel in their musical studies.

The history of Terukina Sensei’s association with our Hawaii community spans
over three decades and through his efforts and those he has trained, Hawaii has
a thriving corps of youthful and very skillful Afuso Ryu musicians who will
further perpetuate the legacy of the traditional performing arts for our
community.

We are pleased to announce that Terukina Sensei has chosen the Hawaii Okinawa
Center to be the site of his 2010 Tobe Uta-sanshin in Hawaii! We are further
humbled by his generosity to hold this concert to raise funds for the
commemoration of the HOC’s 20th anniversary this year. The net proceeds of
ticket sales for this concert will benefit the HUOA. Their donation will be
designated for the Repair and Maintenance of our 20 year old Hawaii Okinawa
Center. Terukina Sensei is coordinating the program for this engagement with
his Hawaii Chapter President, Grant Sandaa Murata Sensei. The program will
feature the Chapter’s members from Oahu many of whom have studied directly under
Terukina Sensei and successfully competed and attained various awards in
Okinawa.

Additionally, Terukina Sensei is arranging for dancers and musicians to join the
Hawaii group for this engagement. He will feature the performance of a kumiudui
or classical Ryukyu opera entitled, Nidou Tichiuchi—The Revenge of Two
Brothers. A kumiudui culminates a dialogue of many Ryukyuan poems amongst the
characters in the play, music and dance. It is unique and the art form that was
designated as one of the traditional music and dance forms of the country of
Japan. The particular kumiudui that Terukina Sensei has selected for this
Hawaii engagement is exciting and colorful.

Two brothers, Tsirumachi and Kamijuu, conceal their identity to avenge the
wrongful death of their father, Gosamaru, Lord of Nakagushiku Castle, by the
treacherous Amawari, Lord of Katsuren Castle. Sensei’s outstanding sons,
Tomokuni and Tomoyuki, will be among the fine musicians who will provide the
musical accompaniment for the kumiudui. Sensei is also assembling excellent
artists from particular dance academies in Okinawa for an exceptional program in
Hawaii.

Nearly three years ago, Sensei’s seven year-old grandson, Tomohumi, stole the
show at the Hawaii Theatre with his talented dance renditions. In this concert,
Tomohumi will be featured in “Nakanaori Sanda-gwa”, a comical musical play that
will surely delight the audience. Updates to 2010 Tobe Uta-sanshin! are being
made as information arrives from Okinawa.